As in other Western states, Oregon’s mule deer populations and hunting opportunities for them have declined since their peak during the 1950s-70s. ODFW is embarking on an ambitious program to fix some of the problems limiting mule deer populations.

The Mule Deer Initiative’s (MDI) goal is to bring mule deer numbers up to the population management objective (the number of animals considered compatible with habitat and primary land uses). MDI efforts will begin in five wildlife management units (Heppner, Maury, Murderers Creek, Steens Mountain and Warner) and later expand to other parts of eastern Oregon.

Habitat

Changes on the landscape in the past few decades have resulted in less forage for mule deer:

Invasive plants like cheatgrass and medusahead rye have replaced bitterbrush, sage-brush and other forage

Less fire and less logging have led to fewer early succession forests and rangelands, which provide important browse, forbs, and grasses for deer

Junipers have encroached on shrub-steppe habitat, crowding out nutritious plants

Stands of aspen trees have declined

Some of the best mule deer habitat in Oregon has been permanently lost to development, particularly on low-elevation winter range

Severe winters and drought

Mule deer populations never rebounded from severe winters and dry summers in the 80s and early 90s. Deep snow and ice keep deer from reaching food and increase their vulnerability to predation. Drought sends deer into winter with fewer fat reserves.

These photos taken in roughly the same spot in 1970 and 2008 in the Murderer’s Creek Basin show a dramatic change in the plant community from a bunch grass/bitterbrush steppe (excellent nutrition for mule deer) to an annual grass/juniper savanna (little to no nutritional value for mule deer).
- Photo by ODFW -

Predation

Some predator populations, including cougars and coyotes, have grown in the past few decades. The extent to which predators affect mule deer populations varies with the circumstances surrounding each herd at any particular time.

Disturbance

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails and cross country travel have increased exponentially in the past few decades, and can displace mule deer into unfamiliar or less productive habitat. New roads through migratory routes leave deer vulnerable to vehicle collisions.

Law enforcement

Law enforcement is essential to protecting mule deer from poaching and ensuring compliance with other wildlife protection laws. A recent study documented that as many deer are taken illegally as legally in central Oregon.

How will wildlife managers bring back mule deer?

Much of this work is already going on, but ODFW will commit additional personnel and resources to the following actions.

Habitat management

Improve winter and summer range by restoring habitat

Protect important mule deer habitat from development

Thin junipers, restore aspen communities

Contain, reduce and eliminate spread of invasive weeds

Treat forest stands to encourage growth of young, nutritious plants

Restoring mule deer habitat will benefit other wildlife species too. The actions being taken by the MDI are recommended by the Oregon Conservation Strategy for the long-term conservation of all the state’s native fish and wildlife and their habitats.

Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@state.or.us
Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? Contact: odfw.comments@state.or.us